To think the school system is ridiculous

And specifically for quadratic equations. Basically maths is brilliant 😍
Engineers (mechanical, civil, aerospace, etc.)
Use quadratic equations to model forces, stress analysis, projectile motion, and load-bearing calculations — especially in structural design or motion physics.
Computer Graphics Designers / Game Developers
Use quadratics to simulate curves, motion, and physics in virtual environments — such as animating the path of a thrown object or designing parabolic shapes.
Data Scientists and Statisticians
Use quadratic models to fit data in cases of curved trends — such as predicting growth or decline that isn’t linear.
Architects
Apply quadratic equations when designing curved structures like arches, domes, or parabolic roofs — both for aesthetics and stability.
Physicists
Use quadratics to describe motion under constant acceleration — for example, when calculating how far an object falls or how fast it travels at a certain point.
Economists
Use quadratic functions to model cost, revenue, and profit — particularly in finding maximum profit or minimum cost through parabolic relationships.
Ballistics Experts and Military Technicians
Use quadratic equations to calculate trajectories of projectiles — including bullets, missiles, or other launched objects.
Agricultural Planners
Use quadratic equations to maximize area within a fixed perimeter (like fencing fields) or optimize planting layouts.
Robotics Engineers
Apply quadratics when programming movement paths or arm arcs — especially when dealing with lifting and throwing mechanisms.

Degree level

A level Maths is for people who know that they want a career that will involve a significant amount of mathematical skill and understanding. For those who don’t necessarily want that, a decent GCSE grade is fine. You can be good at and enjoy Maths - and apply it in everyday life and in your job - without an A level, in the same way that you can be enthusiastic about a sport without competing at a high level.

I think the fact that you might not use algebra in every life for the rest of your life is not a good reason not to learn it. I went to school in Italy and in secondary school I have learned algebra and latin for example. Did I enjoyed them at the time? Not really…do I use them every day? Never. Yet, the process, the challenge, the education really, opened my mind, gave me tools and background that yes have been useful at university and in life! In understanding the world, challenging ideas, having a perspective on history and many other things.
I for one find that the new generations have very limited education and they are getting less and less used to have a well rounded knowledge and critical thought. Which is a shame really, because we are losing what made humanity great.

So you do not have a phone contract or any car credit owing? That is algebra!

I was drafting a sewing pattern for a cap yesterday and believe me if you didn't know how to use pi to calculate the circumference of a circle you wouldn't get very far with that.

Odd question, but yes.

I hated French, didn’t take it at A-level, but still think teaching modern languages is valuable.

I’m an agricultural surveyor and use algebra regularly… I’d imagine almost all surveyors do and it’s a pretty common job.

My friend once said similar about algebra being pointless and how she’s never used it since school and I pointed out that she uses basic algebra most days calculating medication amounts in her job as a nurse.

I did maths to a level - not sure why that’s relevant though but since you’ve been asking

It’s not lucky though. As per a previous comment I made, I miss that knowledge at work every day and rely on colleagues to help me through.

I use algebra quite a lot - I'm a buyer. I also love maths, so much that I did a maths degree in my 30s. Maths is so useful, even just the problem solving and logic.

@Suflan , I studied Maths beyond the age of 16. Maths is everywhere in daily life.

Specifically for algebra
Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.)
Use algebra to design structures, systems, or machines — such as calculating forces, loads, voltage, or resistance.
Computer Programmers / Software Developers
Use algebraic logic to write algorithms and manage data — like building functions that include calculations, loops, and conditions.
Data Analysts and Statisticians
Use algebra to manipulate formulas and models for interpreting data — including regression analysis and predictive modeling.
Architects
Apply algebra to scale drawings and calculate materials or structural loads — ensuring designs are safe, functional, and cost-effective.
Economists and Financial Analysts
Use algebra to build models, project growth, and analyze risk — especially for interest calculations and investment projections.
Doctors and Pharmacists
Use algebra to calculate dosages based on weight, age, or condition — ensuring accurate and safe administration of medication.
Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers
Use algebra to calculate flight paths, speeds, fuel requirements, and arrival times — especially under varying weather conditions.
Scientists (Biologists, Chemists, Physicists)
Use algebra in experiments and lab work — for things like dilutions, concentrations, and balancing chemical equations.
Logisticians and Supply Chain Managers
Use algebra to optimize routes, calculate shipping costs, manage inventory, and streamline delivery schedules.

Even kids going into a trade need to know algebra, unless they want to lose money hand over fist in wasted materials.

Also maths is pure deductive logic, it’s a way of thinking that is similar to philosophy. The fact not every job uses it doesn’t make it worthless.

Thinking logically is a skill in and of itself. A lot of the problems we have today with rampant populism / extremism would be much mitigated if more people were taught to think critically.

In England most of us get 3 (4 at a push) A-Level options so if I loved 8 subjects then 4/5 would have to go anyway. Those fortunate enough to have a career in mind will pick the qualifications most suited to that.

But that misses the point, something can be valuable and not necessarily need to be studied until we’re OAPs.

Yes. And did a PhD in epidemiology in my 30s, which also used a lot of calculus (I’m a doctor)

OP I presume you're a groundskeeper given your love of moving the goalposts. You said 'algebra is so completely irrelevant in this day and age', that has been shown to be the utterly ludicrous statement it is, so now you're on to 'Yeah but not all kids like it and so they shouldn't have to learn it if they don't want to'. Dare I say it, but you are displaying a lack of critical thinking and logical rigour that a bit more mathematical study might have helped with. Yeah don't tell me, I'm being so rude, I know.

All you need in life is agriculture and medicine actually. No point in anything else if you use reductionism

But there is the option of LCA (practical maths)and LCVP (no maths).

This has got to be a wind up